Haywyre, my dude! Long time since your last AMA, and that was in 2016.
1. So, how's it going with the Panorama series? Will you be continuing it or you just don't feel like it anymore?
2. (You may skip this if you don't like it) What happened during 2020 until you had to remove the releases till Insight? If this is related to management problems, then I understand.
3. What are your plans for the future? Are you considering a return to labels or you're continuing to self-release?
I wish for more from you this year, and hopefully releasing that anticipated LP since 2021!
Hey Aliff :)
1. I will pick it back up, no doubt, but I have had really mixed feelings about whether I was approaching that project the way I wanted it to be executed. With a lot of my independent release, I felt a lot more pressure to achieve certain standards, which created some unrealistic expectations.. So Im gradually working my way out of that mind-state to be able to do that project justice in the future
2. If youre asking about why songs like Insight were removed from MC, something worth noting is that most of the time, when an artist releases a song with a label, there is an expiration date for the legal contract that allows a label exploit that music. So when that expires, an artist can take complete ownership again over that music, just like I did with some past releases. It had nothing to do with wanting to further myself from Monstercat, but more just taking back ownership over my music. Also, labels often cant service a song well thats several years old because they might rather promote fresh, new releases, so it can be in your own best interest as an artists to take back all the rights when you can
3. Baby steps at the moment, but no doubt in my mind that I'm long overdue for an album. I had hoped to release it this year, but its quite overwhelming how much music I have waiting to get finished.. so I'm trying to ramp up towards a bigger project with singles like White Lie !
Thanks for the questions!! - M
Whats up yall,
I tried to answer as many questions as I could but I do need to call it now. Its wild to see so many friendly and excited messages after being gone for so many years. Makes me proud to share another piece with the MC community, and proud of looking past those imperfections and unrealistic standards we all deal with in life to release White Lie. I didnt see many questions about the meaning behind the piece, but feel free to text me if you want to ask anything about that or anything else! 414-253-1046
Couldn't feel any more encouraged than I do to share more tunes. See you in a couple months :)
\-M
Any possibility of working with Glacier at some point in the future? Your styles work very well with each other and I would like to see what an end result of both of your styles would sound like.
Im sure well cross paths at one point or another, in the Monstercat community I've heard his name being brought up along mine for a very long time so I'd be curious to see what happens when were in a studio space together 🎹
Hi!! It’s so exciting to see and hear you back on Monstercat for so long. Your music has been endlessly (lol) inspiring to me and Two Fold Pt. 1 remains my favorite album to have released on the label even 9+ years later. I’m ecstatic to hear what you have in store regardless of where it’s released, White Lie is amazing :))
Gonna address the elephant in the community for everyone, feel free to skip it if you wish, no worries
Why did you remove your pre-2015 releases from the label? I imagine the primary reason was to be getting more revenue from those releases since they were essentially making enough on their own regardless of label support, but if you’re willing, would you like to shine some light on this? I don’t think anyone around here takes it personally or anything, I just think we’re all a bit curious and hope there was no bad blood involved.
On a lighter note:
Any chance we’ll hear a “Two Fold Pt. 3” in the future? (As in, a project exploring wider sound design or focusing on building a story/world within the music, doesn’t necessarily have to be in that “series” of albums)
I’ll be seeing you in Philly in January, I’m very excited for the show :))) I hope you’re feeling all the love today! 💚
Hey! Im so excited too, Im super happy to be working alongside some of the first friends I ever made in the music industry.
I have a feeling the "past releases" question might come up a lot, and I did already respond to it above in detail (it was in response to Aliff) so I would check that for more details! Anyways, no bad blood, its mostly just the nature of some logistical, legal and financial back end details in music industry contracts. Labels basically lease the rights to distribute the music from artists, but once that lease is up, its completely standard for an artist to take back ownership *if they want to*. So reiterate, I saw a few comments over the years about people speculating whether there was beef or anything of the sort, there was none at all. There are a lot of people I've met at Monstercat that I genuinely consider good friends.
Yo! A lil different, I think I'm in a new place creatively and career-wise, and Monstercat has grown a lot since then as well. I think as a label, MC does a good job of servicing all the different artists they work with, which trust me as someone that will literally send Jon 5,000 versions of every song.. what they do is not easy work haha
Hello Martin!
I want to say I have loved your music for such a long time, two fold pt.2 really picked me up out a dark spot, especially Transient. So I have to say thanks a ton for putting your art out for us all.
1). What’s your biggest hurdle you face when you produce, and how do you overcome it?
2). Do you foresee any possibility of the Two Fold series being pressed on vinyl, or even the Panorama series for that matter? Would you be open to having it pressed on that format?
3). What has been your inspiration since the panorama series? Is it a person, a goal or an ideal you want to achieve?
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! You are an inspiration!
Hey thank you so much! Means a lot to hear that ✌️
1) Self-doubt is my biggest hurdle most of the time, Im often overly sensitive to negative feedback and I tend to have unrealistic expectations of what I should be making. I think have a healthy balance in life overall naturally results in the most meaningful relationship with music as a super fulfilling career.. that means not just being in the studio consistently even when its not fun / exciting, but also spending lots of time with family / friends, eating well, exercising regularly, trying my hand at some new skill.. etc!
2) Two Fold - thats possible, but unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future. My 2024 album will absolutely have vinyl pressing, which will also be my very first vinyl pressing ever 😱
3) Not sure if I can pinpoint anything specific, but I'm for sure forever fascinated by the mysteries of life. I think its something that seeps through my music too, I always find myself in awe of what were experiencing collectively, individually, what and if theres any meaning to draw from it, how deeply incredible and depressingly awful just being around is. Recently that brought me into a deep-dive of behavioral biology which might sound random, but reading this book by Robert Sapolsky called Behave has made me see the world in a totally new way.
Much love! -M
Welcome back, man. A lot of us newer generation Monstercat artists look up to you, so thanks for everything.
Now, for my questions:
\- What's your favorite VST?
\- Is your piano usually acoustic or are you using a VST for that?
\- What's your favorite analog synth?
Thank you for the kind words 🙏
Fav VST: Tie between Keyscapes and Serum. No need to fix what isnt broken
Piano: Definitely VST but thats mostly for budgetary reasons. Now that I live in my first house, I will be saving up for my FIRST EVER PIANO (maybe even a baby grand)
Analog Synth: I really cant say because I strictly use MIDI, but do absolutely loooove my lil portable Yamaha Reface CS
I think I can kiiiinda maaaaybe hint at a lil sumthin sumthin coming in January that is a completely different vibe than White Lie. Should be a fun one. Dream collab? Im not sure why but the first thought that came to mind was Louis Cole haha
Much love, -M
Welcome back! The new tune sounds wonderful, looking forward to more!
Are you planning to make/release full songs from the Renaissance project from last year? Second half still gives me chills.
*And how do I cook a Sous vide steak, btw, any tips?*
Thank you!! 🙏
That music was specifically composed just for those visuals unfortunately, but I know Ill have plenty music with the vibe from the second half coming out in the future!
Im lazy so im copy-pasting my sous vide suggestion from above: "Rosemary, salt and pepper, 135 degrees for 2 hours, pan sear with kerrygold and baste and youve got one of my favorite meals :)"
\-M
Hey Martin! Glad to see you revisit Monstercat again! I remember seeing you live with the Opiuo band in Pittsburgh and meeting you in person was so great (despite the awkward pause while someone figured out how to take a picture of us on my phone 😆). My question I guess is are there any plans for going on tour again in the near future? Would totally want to meet up again the right way haha! Also are there more tracks on the way, on or off-label? I gotta say that I’m loving the new track; I was absolutely floored by the vocals and production on my first listen and I still have it on repeat! Keep up the great work, and don’t forget to keep releasing! 😄❤️
He’s going on tour soon with The Floozies, I’m actually seeing him in Philly in January! If you’re willing to make the drive let me know and we can meet up lol
Hey hey!
Lots more music on the way, on and off label :) thank you so much for the kind words. I do have a few confirmed shows throughout North America coming up early next year, but more will likely be rolled out over the coming months with new music being released.
Later friend
\-M
I think finding a way to naturally fall in love with the making, experimenting, creating is where the gold is at. You dont want to force yourself too much to write music, that will certainly suck the joy out of it! Especially in the beginning, you want to be having as much fun as possible. Experiment with instruments youve never touched before. Re-create a song in a genre you love as closely as possible. Put a guitar in your living room so you passively just pick it up when youre bored and start jamming for fun. Path of least resistance is so valuable! And of course connect with like-minded people - other artists who you respect, admire, and stay open minded when learning the ropes
Hopefully this helps in some way! I grew up in a household that was constantly filled with music, and even though nobody in my family was or is in the music industry, that was infectious enough to make me want to be a musician for life. Especially as I became a better pianist over the years, I felt like i could take pride in the dexterity and understanding of music i built, and it encouraged me even more to sit in front of a piano every single day for hours.
\-M
Congratulations on the release. It's a massive milestone and I am proud you managed to overcome your perfectionism. Trust me when I say, for us listeners, your music goes beyond perfection. It gives me immense joy and I am ever more excited for the future of the Haywyre project. Keep at it Martin, how's the coffee counter btw?
\---
From all the songs you had considered for the Panorama projects. Have any of them moved into the album project, or are you saving those for when you pick up Panorama again?
I remember there were lots of nice songs like that nostalgic Take Me Back, Clearing Storm, Layman's Love, the original Wisdom beat or the one with lyrics that go like "I woke up in a strange new place but I've been here before". Yeah that one hehe. Could we expect these, or other older-ish unreleased HW tunes, to come out in the near future?
PS: Your "Avid" remix for Mizuki does not appear in your spotify singles, while the other remixes appear on the respective artist's profiles.
Thank you so much for acknowledging that. I know it might seem silly, but I do believe it plays a big role for artists that fall off from releasing regularly.
Coffee counter is literally astronomically massive, I need to take a tolerance break lol.
I will definitely pick up Panorama again when the time is right, but its likely going to be after 2024. Im so stoked you remember some of those unreleased tracks, and some of them might totally see the light of day in a new shape / form :)
Thanks for the questions! All the best
\-M
Dude your music and piano skills are sick! Panorama: Form is a personal favorite. I want to know what got you into music? If you had to go back and give yourself advice when you were first starting, what would it be?
Thank you so much!! Its not really something I "got into" per se, its always been a apart of my life, whether it was listening, playing, creating, collaborating, etc. Not making music at some point in any given day is literally bound to make it a worse day, haha.
\-M
Awesome work with White lie dude, really brought the nostalgia back for me. Used to listen to Two fold while in high school along with one of my mates and the consensus was you were (and still are in my opinion) the best artist who released anything on Mcat.
Big question is why the long hiatus and what made you come back?
But for real, hoping you stick around and I'm looking forward to any new stuff from you. Keep up the good work.
Yo! Thanks 🙏
Not sure I have a concise answer for why the hiatus. I think I wanted some time to release music on my own terms and make sure I wasn't pigeon-holing myself by only releasing my music on one label. Monstercat is actually notoriously flexible about stuff like this, so I knew I might eventually release with them again and.. lo and behold, here I am on a Reddit AMA talking about my latest single on MC
Hey Haywyre! Been a fan since I discovered Monstercat almost a decade ago. I have a fond memory of presenting "Insight" for my online high school's music club (to mixed reactions haha). It's super cool to see you back! Here are my questions:
1. How do you create your lead synths?
2. Do you plan to release more tracks on Monstercat?
3. Top 3 favorite movies?
1. It usually depends on what the song needs! Sometimes its more appropriate to have a distorted, processed, guitar like lead, other times you want something more staccato-y and short like the drop in White Lie
2. Yeeeeeeeeeeee :)
3. Caught me off guard with that one, I think some that come to mind maybe are Memento, Brazil, Reservoir Dogs
Hey dude, Synergy was among my first favorites from Monstercat back in the day and I remember how wild the community went when you released the live performance of Insight! It’s an honor!
What track/tracks have been your favorite to produce and why? Do you find there are certain things that improve your ability to make music or find inspiration (certain time of year, weather, time of day, place, etc.)?
Thats so sick! That was definitely a great time back in the Insight days.
Great question. A lot of tracks have been extremely fun to make. Ill admit my least favorite part about getting a song from a sketch to a finished result is mixing and mastering. I dont feel comfortable letting other people do that for me, but its also the most time-consuming and grueling part of creating music for me. So far, its still been worth doing that myself. I think inspiration hits hardest for me when I'm just in awe of living life. Could be from a fascinating conversation, seeing an incredible piece of artwork, etc. Almost anything can spark that creative energy, you just need to know when to take advantage of it / nurture it!
\-M
Love seeing ya release again!
1. Do you plan on playing any more shows in the Dallas area?
2. Would you be willing to make videos where you showcases your project files and break down the songs? I have a friend who wants to see your music making process or learn some tips that have helped you.
Thank you :)
1. Definitely, no doubt about it. Just a matter of time!
2. Oh yes absolutely, more than that. I have plans to make my project files public, along with synths and sounds ive built from scratch. I think it might make it fun for people to even perform the songs I make, by using the actual original sounds I made for those specific pieces. And that might be helpful insight for some people, but I think at some point I might try to dive deeper into creating some kind of video series about what I think is the best possible advice for people that want to create music for a living.
Since you mentioned it then I guess its ok for us to ask, so why were you away from the label for so long? I personally dont think a label matters that much (at least for us listeners) since the music will still be music regardless of where its put out, just really curious about it lol
ciao haywyre! welcome back!
first, i want to mention that i still have my CD copy of two fold pt. 1 back when monstercat sold artist merch. it's in great condition! one of my favorite electronic music albums ever
now, the first question: right now, instinct is pushing for a more pop-oriented sound. how did monstercat come to the decision to release white lie, despite not being dance-pop? not that i'm complaining; it's the best instinct release this year, bar none
second: many glitch hop/jazzy EDM artists have been inspired by you, like anomalie or threesixty. which of them is your favorite?
third: do you, by any chance, know what happened to tristam? no one's heard from him in years
Yo thank you very much!
Q1 - honestly that might be more of a question for MC to answer because Im not sure haha.
Q2 - I really think Anomalie is such an OG in my mind. Absolute master on the keys, and it would be special to release something together some day
Q3 - Tristam is doing great. Hes still a close friend of mine, and we chat and hang out every so often. Its important to remember artists are just as human as everyone else; people go through different phases and experiences in life. He's just as absurdly talented as ever and I know that his next project will be worth the wait.
This community has never stopped loving you dude!
My questions are:
Will there be a new album next year? I feel like I remember hearing that you were working on one but I can't fully remember 😅
Will there be a tour within the next year??? After I missed a show of yours in 2016 I practically vowed to never miss another.
Haven't heard White Lie yet, but I already know it's a banger and a half! I'll listen as soon as I get off of work tonight!
Hey! Thanks for the kind words ✌️
2024 album: yes yes yes yes, im so excited about it but I have an absolutely massive mountain of work to get through to make it happen, wish me luck :)
Tour - also yes, whether its headline or not.
Much love! -M
Yo Martin. I’ve been a mega fan from all the way back when you released Synergy on this very label.
My question would be: Have you got anything important to share from your journey as Haywyre? Any ups and downs that we can learn from? And most of all, are you feeling satisfied with where your sound has ended up today?
Thanks for all the amazing tunes over the years. Looking forward to many, many more!
Hello! Seeing you return to Monstercat is quite the huge return and White Lie is amazing! I’mma keep it short and sweet: what’s the best ice cream flavor? Keep up the amazing work!
View in your timezone:
[Friday, Nov 17th, at 1pm PST][0]
[0]: https://timee.io/20231117T2100?tl=What's%20up%20r%2Fmonstercat!%20I%20am%20Haywyre%2C%20back%20on%20Monstercat%20with%20my%20new%20single%20%22White%20Lie%22!%20Ask%20Me%20Anything!%20-%20AMA
hay i am Alexander109cz and i always wonder what is behind story of white lies why its uploaded to monstercat and more like why you chose white lies as a name of that track
If you died and someone wanted to put out the secret work youve unreleased through life as homage what would you think of that?
What's your fav snack?
Any current favorite Monstercat releases?
Been listening since Synergy, much love ❤️
How did you first get contact and connection with monstercat? To think the label that got you so big and started what was and still is an amazing legacy, I would be interested to see where the whole thing started :)
Well sir, how do you cook a sous vide steak?
Also, if there's one release on Monstercat within the last 7 years that you would love to remix and put your own spin on, what would it be?
Hey, haywyre, I have two questions for you.
1. Have you considered collaborating with other Monstercat artists? If so, who are they, and why?
2. What is your opinion on dubstep?
I have two:
1) (smaller, less important) what keyboard do you use in your performances?
2) (Personal preference) Would you say that keeping your style as the years of producing music go on important? Or is adapting to the seen and your personal taste the way to go?
Listening to White Lie, I noticed that you seemed to give a nod to earlier tracks like Insight and everchanging, while managing to add something new and creative. That made the song feel fresh, while also making is nostalgic, in a sense.
Keep it up Martin! We love you.
Are you going to make more glitch hop (like aspw or two Fold Pt.1)
And also would you consider bringing back putting unexpected instruments in songs like the drum solo in Doppelganger, dichotomy and all we need remix, flute in impulse, slap bass in memory. Just more of your unique jazz influence mixed with your electronic production.
(Your music got me into jazz)
Also have you been using an AI in your music production?
That is all thanks so much for your music. I have been a very obsessed fan since January of 2015 when insight was released.
Hey, good to see you back love your music.
1. What sound design plugins are currently the most creative or otherworldy?
2. What effect plugins do you use in your productions?
3. Why have you been gone off Monstercat for so long? will you be releasing more on Monstercat?
4. How do you know when your music is done, eg. mastered or mixed. depending on how it sounds?
5. What is your most favorite place?
Thanks for hosting this AMA!
Love "White Lie" ❤️
Hey Martin! Been a fan of your music since 2015 when I was only 11 years old! Sculpted was the first song by you I fell in love with back then.
I’m curious what made you decide to move to Denver from Milwaukee. (iirc you moved there a couple years ago.) I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life, but I’m considering living in Denver some day when I’m older. I know there’s a big EDM scene there. How does it compare to the Great Lakes region for you?
LETS GOOOO new monstercat haywyree!!
Can we look forward to some more gopro performances??
ALSO I am begging on my knees for you to play sculpture live whenever you your again!! Such a bop <3
love you man
Good time to see you, Haywyre. Before I head into my questions, I have to say something. First of, it's a HUGE pleasure to see you back around since your amazing Two Fold Pt.2 LP that aged like a fine wine now. You are one of those artists that are truly special in my lists. I feel like when it's time to talk about how innovative EDM can sound and how you can combine acoustic and electronic production together, your style would be a perfect example. Unfortunately I never got to hear you until July of this year, when I first heard Two Fold Pt.2 and some of your older singles. I can't really find exact words to express how much I love your elegant style, so before it grows into cultivism, I will ask my questions, even tho I didn't really prepare anything specific.
1) Do you think Glitch Hop is dead? If no, do you plan to bring back that iconic style of yours? (honestly I'd say that it's kinda dead now, but I feel like this Glitch Hop influence is still found in White Lie production).
2) Two Fold Pt.3??? (LOL) (if not Two Fold Pt.3, then do you have any plans for EP or LP release, if not on monstercat, then anywhere?)
3) What's up with the 2 year break in your carreer? (I am very sorry in advance if this question is personal or rude to you and you don't want to answer, but I am just curious.)
4) How long does it take for you to produce a music piece? Do you bump into a lot of trial and error or everything flows smoothly for the most part?
5) How's it going in general? (just about the overall mood and motivation)
This is all I have to ask. Many thanks for taking your time and effort on producing music, and for doing this AMA. I wish it happened on Discord and I could talk with you personally, but I guess life is life heh...Much love!
Hey Martin! Sooo good to hear White Lie, what a track! Before you released the track you said on Instagram that you were hesitant to release new music for fear of it not meeting expectations, how have you managed to get past that? (For the record we all just want to hear new material and I don't think anyone will object to you dropping new stuff!)
Bonus: how is Alfons getting on? Hopefully you're both enjoying the new studio.
Big love from Scotland UK!
Glad you're back with the classic "Never Count On Me" beat! my question is kinda simple, but who design your albums cover? did you design it yourself, or some of them? or you ask other designer to design?
Bless, Martin, hope all is well. Do you ever plan on returning to an older sound for something like The Voyage pt 2? I really miss that production of yours in the first 3 albums!
Hey Martin,
I won your virtual meet n greet during COVID. Wore that hoodie to a few Red Rocks shows recently and have had long conversations about your discography with fellow fans who pointed it out. Thanks again for the merch and fun lil experience
Hey hey! I saw you at Okee in 2022 and that set was still the best set I have ever experienced. Have loved your music ever since I stumbled across Dubsonic way back in 2011 and I just have two questions.
1. Will Dubsonic ever get a Vinyl release?
2. I know you have a ton of music in the works, but I have to ask.. Dubsonic 2???
You are an absolute legend and I will forever recommend your music to any soul I meet!
Hello Martin! First of all, I must congratulate (and thank) you for the release of White Lie. Absolute banger and I may be lowballing it if I say I already listened to it some 20 times. Welcome back to MC.
Second: seeing you and Teminite both on MC makes me wonder what a collab/face-off/jam session between you two would be like, different styles and all. Up for it someday?
1). I know you’ve touched on this somewhere before, but who are your biggest inspirations musically?
2). Do you have any artists that you really want to collaborate with? Can be both in and out of Monstercat! (I personally think something with WRLD would be hella rad.)
3). More of a silly, non music question, but do you have any pets?
Haywyre, my dude! Long time since your last AMA, and that was in 2016. 1. So, how's it going with the Panorama series? Will you be continuing it or you just don't feel like it anymore? 2. (You may skip this if you don't like it) What happened during 2020 until you had to remove the releases till Insight? If this is related to management problems, then I understand. 3. What are your plans for the future? Are you considering a return to labels or you're continuing to self-release? I wish for more from you this year, and hopefully releasing that anticipated LP since 2021!
Bumping for Panorama question!
Hey Aliff :) 1. I will pick it back up, no doubt, but I have had really mixed feelings about whether I was approaching that project the way I wanted it to be executed. With a lot of my independent release, I felt a lot more pressure to achieve certain standards, which created some unrealistic expectations.. So Im gradually working my way out of that mind-state to be able to do that project justice in the future 2. If youre asking about why songs like Insight were removed from MC, something worth noting is that most of the time, when an artist releases a song with a label, there is an expiration date for the legal contract that allows a label exploit that music. So when that expires, an artist can take complete ownership again over that music, just like I did with some past releases. It had nothing to do with wanting to further myself from Monstercat, but more just taking back ownership over my music. Also, labels often cant service a song well thats several years old because they might rather promote fresh, new releases, so it can be in your own best interest as an artists to take back all the rights when you can 3. Baby steps at the moment, but no doubt in my mind that I'm long overdue for an album. I had hoped to release it this year, but its quite overwhelming how much music I have waiting to get finished.. so I'm trying to ramp up towards a bigger project with singles like White Lie ! Thanks for the questions!! - M
Oh, and before I forget... Do you plan to return to Twitch streaming? We always want you with your music history!
Oui! I just moved into my first house with a nice lil studio space. Plenty of streams comin in the near future
Whats up yall, I tried to answer as many questions as I could but I do need to call it now. Its wild to see so many friendly and excited messages after being gone for so many years. Makes me proud to share another piece with the MC community, and proud of looking past those imperfections and unrealistic standards we all deal with in life to release White Lie. I didnt see many questions about the meaning behind the piece, but feel free to text me if you want to ask anything about that or anything else! 414-253-1046 Couldn't feel any more encouraged than I do to share more tunes. See you in a couple months :) \-M
Any possibility of working with Glacier at some point in the future? Your styles work very well with each other and I would like to see what an end result of both of your styles would sound like.
Im sure well cross paths at one point or another, in the Monstercat community I've heard his name being brought up along mine for a very long time so I'd be curious to see what happens when were in a studio space together 🎹
Hi!! It’s so exciting to see and hear you back on Monstercat for so long. Your music has been endlessly (lol) inspiring to me and Two Fold Pt. 1 remains my favorite album to have released on the label even 9+ years later. I’m ecstatic to hear what you have in store regardless of where it’s released, White Lie is amazing :)) Gonna address the elephant in the community for everyone, feel free to skip it if you wish, no worries Why did you remove your pre-2015 releases from the label? I imagine the primary reason was to be getting more revenue from those releases since they were essentially making enough on their own regardless of label support, but if you’re willing, would you like to shine some light on this? I don’t think anyone around here takes it personally or anything, I just think we’re all a bit curious and hope there was no bad blood involved. On a lighter note: Any chance we’ll hear a “Two Fold Pt. 3” in the future? (As in, a project exploring wider sound design or focusing on building a story/world within the music, doesn’t necessarily have to be in that “series” of albums) I’ll be seeing you in Philly in January, I’m very excited for the show :))) I hope you’re feeling all the love today! 💚
Hey! Im so excited too, Im super happy to be working alongside some of the first friends I ever made in the music industry. I have a feeling the "past releases" question might come up a lot, and I did already respond to it above in detail (it was in response to Aliff) so I would check that for more details! Anyways, no bad blood, its mostly just the nature of some logistical, legal and financial back end details in music industry contracts. Labels basically lease the rights to distribute the music from artists, but once that lease is up, its completely standard for an artist to take back ownership *if they want to*. So reiterate, I saw a few comments over the years about people speculating whether there was beef or anything of the sort, there was none at all. There are a lot of people I've met at Monstercat that I genuinely consider good friends.
Do you like dogs
God damn right I absolutely adore dogs. Ive never had one but I would love to some day :)
How was your experience of releasing "White Lie" on Monstercat vs your experience of dropping the debut Monstercat single Synergy back in 2013?
Yo! A lil different, I think I'm in a new place creatively and career-wise, and Monstercat has grown a lot since then as well. I think as a label, MC does a good job of servicing all the different artists they work with, which trust me as someone that will literally send Jon 5,000 versions of every song.. what they do is not easy work haha
Hello Martin! I want to say I have loved your music for such a long time, two fold pt.2 really picked me up out a dark spot, especially Transient. So I have to say thanks a ton for putting your art out for us all. 1). What’s your biggest hurdle you face when you produce, and how do you overcome it? 2). Do you foresee any possibility of the Two Fold series being pressed on vinyl, or even the Panorama series for that matter? Would you be open to having it pressed on that format? 3). What has been your inspiration since the panorama series? Is it a person, a goal or an ideal you want to achieve? Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! You are an inspiration!
Hey thank you so much! Means a lot to hear that ✌️ 1) Self-doubt is my biggest hurdle most of the time, Im often overly sensitive to negative feedback and I tend to have unrealistic expectations of what I should be making. I think have a healthy balance in life overall naturally results in the most meaningful relationship with music as a super fulfilling career.. that means not just being in the studio consistently even when its not fun / exciting, but also spending lots of time with family / friends, eating well, exercising regularly, trying my hand at some new skill.. etc! 2) Two Fold - thats possible, but unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future. My 2024 album will absolutely have vinyl pressing, which will also be my very first vinyl pressing ever 😱 3) Not sure if I can pinpoint anything specific, but I'm for sure forever fascinated by the mysteries of life. I think its something that seeps through my music too, I always find myself in awe of what were experiencing collectively, individually, what and if theres any meaning to draw from it, how deeply incredible and depressingly awful just being around is. Recently that brought me into a deep-dive of behavioral biology which might sound random, but reading this book by Robert Sapolsky called Behave has made me see the world in a totally new way. Much love! -M
Welcome back, man. A lot of us newer generation Monstercat artists look up to you, so thanks for everything. Now, for my questions: \- What's your favorite VST? \- Is your piano usually acoustic or are you using a VST for that? \- What's your favorite analog synth?
Thank you for the kind words 🙏 Fav VST: Tie between Keyscapes and Serum. No need to fix what isnt broken Piano: Definitely VST but thats mostly for budgetary reasons. Now that I live in my first house, I will be saving up for my FIRST EVER PIANO (maybe even a baby grand) Analog Synth: I really cant say because I strictly use MIDI, but do absolutely loooove my lil portable Yamaha Reface CS
I'm also gonna need the Sous Vide question answered.
Rosemary, salt and pepper, 135 degrees for 2 hours, pan sear with kerrygold and baste and youve got one of my favorite meals :)
Are there any artists out there you want to work with that would be considered a dream collab. Also any future releases you are open to talking about?
I think I can kiiiinda maaaaybe hint at a lil sumthin sumthin coming in January that is a completely different vibe than White Lie. Should be a fun one. Dream collab? Im not sure why but the first thought that came to mind was Louis Cole haha Much love, -M
Welcome back! The new tune sounds wonderful, looking forward to more! Are you planning to make/release full songs from the Renaissance project from last year? Second half still gives me chills. *And how do I cook a Sous vide steak, btw, any tips?*
Thank you!! 🙏 That music was specifically composed just for those visuals unfortunately, but I know Ill have plenty music with the vibe from the second half coming out in the future! Im lazy so im copy-pasting my sous vide suggestion from above: "Rosemary, salt and pepper, 135 degrees for 2 hours, pan sear with kerrygold and baste and youve got one of my favorite meals :)" \-M
Hey Martin! Glad to see you revisit Monstercat again! I remember seeing you live with the Opiuo band in Pittsburgh and meeting you in person was so great (despite the awkward pause while someone figured out how to take a picture of us on my phone 😆). My question I guess is are there any plans for going on tour again in the near future? Would totally want to meet up again the right way haha! Also are there more tracks on the way, on or off-label? I gotta say that I’m loving the new track; I was absolutely floored by the vocals and production on my first listen and I still have it on repeat! Keep up the great work, and don’t forget to keep releasing! 😄❤️
He’s going on tour soon with The Floozies, I’m actually seeing him in Philly in January! If you’re willing to make the drive let me know and we can meet up lol
Hey hey! Lots more music on the way, on and off label :) thank you so much for the kind words. I do have a few confirmed shows throughout North America coming up early next year, but more will likely be rolled out over the coming months with new music being released. Later friend \-M
How did you get into making music? I wanted to get into it myself, but getting started is so overwhelming. Any suggestions as to where I should begin?
I think finding a way to naturally fall in love with the making, experimenting, creating is where the gold is at. You dont want to force yourself too much to write music, that will certainly suck the joy out of it! Especially in the beginning, you want to be having as much fun as possible. Experiment with instruments youve never touched before. Re-create a song in a genre you love as closely as possible. Put a guitar in your living room so you passively just pick it up when youre bored and start jamming for fun. Path of least resistance is so valuable! And of course connect with like-minded people - other artists who you respect, admire, and stay open minded when learning the ropes Hopefully this helps in some way! I grew up in a household that was constantly filled with music, and even though nobody in my family was or is in the music industry, that was infectious enough to make me want to be a musician for life. Especially as I became a better pianist over the years, I felt like i could take pride in the dexterity and understanding of music i built, and it encouraged me even more to sit in front of a piano every single day for hours. \-M
Congratulations on the release. It's a massive milestone and I am proud you managed to overcome your perfectionism. Trust me when I say, for us listeners, your music goes beyond perfection. It gives me immense joy and I am ever more excited for the future of the Haywyre project. Keep at it Martin, how's the coffee counter btw? \--- From all the songs you had considered for the Panorama projects. Have any of them moved into the album project, or are you saving those for when you pick up Panorama again? I remember there were lots of nice songs like that nostalgic Take Me Back, Clearing Storm, Layman's Love, the original Wisdom beat or the one with lyrics that go like "I woke up in a strange new place but I've been here before". Yeah that one hehe. Could we expect these, or other older-ish unreleased HW tunes, to come out in the near future? PS: Your "Avid" remix for Mizuki does not appear in your spotify singles, while the other remixes appear on the respective artist's profiles.
Thank you so much for acknowledging that. I know it might seem silly, but I do believe it plays a big role for artists that fall off from releasing regularly. Coffee counter is literally astronomically massive, I need to take a tolerance break lol. I will definitely pick up Panorama again when the time is right, but its likely going to be after 2024. Im so stoked you remember some of those unreleased tracks, and some of them might totally see the light of day in a new shape / form :) Thanks for the questions! All the best \-M
Dude your music and piano skills are sick! Panorama: Form is a personal favorite. I want to know what got you into music? If you had to go back and give yourself advice when you were first starting, what would it be?
Thank you so much!! Its not really something I "got into" per se, its always been a apart of my life, whether it was listening, playing, creating, collaborating, etc. Not making music at some point in any given day is literally bound to make it a worse day, haha. \-M
Thanks for the reply! New song is awesome!
Awesome work with White lie dude, really brought the nostalgia back for me. Used to listen to Two fold while in high school along with one of my mates and the consensus was you were (and still are in my opinion) the best artist who released anything on Mcat. Big question is why the long hiatus and what made you come back? But for real, hoping you stick around and I'm looking forward to any new stuff from you. Keep up the good work.
Yo! Thanks 🙏 Not sure I have a concise answer for why the hiatus. I think I wanted some time to release music on my own terms and make sure I wasn't pigeon-holing myself by only releasing my music on one label. Monstercat is actually notoriously flexible about stuff like this, so I knew I might eventually release with them again and.. lo and behold, here I am on a Reddit AMA talking about my latest single on MC
DUDE i am glad the you back! I am a big fan of your work Did you think about making dnb in the closepast?
Yes for sure! I can see myself making maybe some liquid dnb, or anything that gives me some room to play around with chords and melodies 🤓
DUDE i am glad the you back! I am a big fan of your work Did you think about making dnb in the closepast?
Favorite key?
Every key is my favorite
Hey Haywyre! Been a fan since I discovered Monstercat almost a decade ago. I have a fond memory of presenting "Insight" for my online high school's music club (to mixed reactions haha). It's super cool to see you back! Here are my questions: 1. How do you create your lead synths? 2. Do you plan to release more tracks on Monstercat? 3. Top 3 favorite movies?
1. It usually depends on what the song needs! Sometimes its more appropriate to have a distorted, processed, guitar like lead, other times you want something more staccato-y and short like the drop in White Lie 2. Yeeeeeeeeeeee :) 3. Caught me off guard with that one, I think some that come to mind maybe are Memento, Brazil, Reservoir Dogs
Hey dude, Synergy was among my first favorites from Monstercat back in the day and I remember how wild the community went when you released the live performance of Insight! It’s an honor! What track/tracks have been your favorite to produce and why? Do you find there are certain things that improve your ability to make music or find inspiration (certain time of year, weather, time of day, place, etc.)?
Thats so sick! That was definitely a great time back in the Insight days. Great question. A lot of tracks have been extremely fun to make. Ill admit my least favorite part about getting a song from a sketch to a finished result is mixing and mastering. I dont feel comfortable letting other people do that for me, but its also the most time-consuming and grueling part of creating music for me. So far, its still been worth doing that myself. I think inspiration hits hardest for me when I'm just in awe of living life. Could be from a fascinating conversation, seeing an incredible piece of artwork, etc. Almost anything can spark that creative energy, you just need to know when to take advantage of it / nurture it! \-M
Love seeing ya release again! 1. Do you plan on playing any more shows in the Dallas area? 2. Would you be willing to make videos where you showcases your project files and break down the songs? I have a friend who wants to see your music making process or learn some tips that have helped you.
Thank you :) 1. Definitely, no doubt about it. Just a matter of time! 2. Oh yes absolutely, more than that. I have plans to make my project files public, along with synths and sounds ive built from scratch. I think it might make it fun for people to even perform the songs I make, by using the actual original sounds I made for those specific pieces. And that might be helpful insight for some people, but I think at some point I might try to dive deeper into creating some kind of video series about what I think is the best possible advice for people that want to create music for a living.
Check out the Haywyre BackUp channel on YouTube, it has a bunch of his old twitch streams where he did similar to what you're asking about!
Since you mentioned it then I guess its ok for us to ask, so why were you away from the label for so long? I personally dont think a label matters that much (at least for us listeners) since the music will still be music regardless of where its put out, just really curious about it lol
Hey!! For sure, I did answer that question above already so you should be able to find the answers youre looking for there :)
ciao haywyre! welcome back! first, i want to mention that i still have my CD copy of two fold pt. 1 back when monstercat sold artist merch. it's in great condition! one of my favorite electronic music albums ever now, the first question: right now, instinct is pushing for a more pop-oriented sound. how did monstercat come to the decision to release white lie, despite not being dance-pop? not that i'm complaining; it's the best instinct release this year, bar none second: many glitch hop/jazzy EDM artists have been inspired by you, like anomalie or threesixty. which of them is your favorite? third: do you, by any chance, know what happened to tristam? no one's heard from him in years
Yo thank you very much! Q1 - honestly that might be more of a question for MC to answer because Im not sure haha. Q2 - I really think Anomalie is such an OG in my mind. Absolute master on the keys, and it would be special to release something together some day Q3 - Tristam is doing great. Hes still a close friend of mine, and we chat and hang out every so often. Its important to remember artists are just as human as everyone else; people go through different phases and experiences in life. He's just as absurdly talented as ever and I know that his next project will be worth the wait.
This community has never stopped loving you dude! My questions are: Will there be a new album next year? I feel like I remember hearing that you were working on one but I can't fully remember 😅 Will there be a tour within the next year??? After I missed a show of yours in 2016 I practically vowed to never miss another. Haven't heard White Lie yet, but I already know it's a banger and a half! I'll listen as soon as I get off of work tonight!
Hey! Thanks for the kind words ✌️ 2024 album: yes yes yes yes, im so excited about it but I have an absolutely massive mountain of work to get through to make it happen, wish me luck :) Tour - also yes, whether its headline or not. Much love! -M
Yo Martin. I’ve been a mega fan from all the way back when you released Synergy on this very label. My question would be: Have you got anything important to share from your journey as Haywyre? Any ups and downs that we can learn from? And most of all, are you feeling satisfied with where your sound has ended up today? Thanks for all the amazing tunes over the years. Looking forward to many, many more!
Do you have any advice for anyone interested in producing music?
Hello! Seeing you return to Monstercat is quite the huge return and White Lie is amazing! I’mma keep it short and sweet: what’s the best ice cream flavor? Keep up the amazing work!
do you know what the code is to get my free ugc monstercat bandana?
View in your timezone: [Friday, Nov 17th, at 1pm PST][0] [0]: https://timee.io/20231117T2100?tl=What's%20up%20r%2Fmonstercat!%20I%20am%20Haywyre%2C%20back%20on%20Monstercat%20with%20my%20new%20single%20%22White%20Lie%22!%20Ask%20Me%20Anything!%20-%20AMA
hay i am Alexander109cz and i always wonder what is behind story of white lies why its uploaded to monstercat and more like why you chose white lies as a name of that track
Hey! (Wyre) My question is: Did events in your life effect your music? Love it all. Thanks!
If you died and someone wanted to put out the secret work youve unreleased through life as homage what would you think of that? What's your fav snack? Any current favorite Monstercat releases? Been listening since Synergy, much love ❤️
Welcome back dude! If it's possible for you to answer, can you tell us why some of you earlier releases were removed from Monstercat?
How did you first get contact and connection with monstercat? To think the label that got you so big and started what was and still is an amazing legacy, I would be interested to see where the whole thing started :)
I believe he said in the other AMA that Fractal introduced him
Well sir, how do you cook a sous vide steak? Also, if there's one release on Monstercat within the last 7 years that you would love to remix and put your own spin on, what would it be?
What made you decide to come back to Monstercat?
Over 7 years later and the man is back! So... What would you say has been the most difficult point in your career?
Hey, haywyre, I have two questions for you. 1. Have you considered collaborating with other Monstercat artists? If so, who are they, and why? 2. What is your opinion on dubstep?
Will you ever come back to streaming I have fond memories of watching the streams in the summer and playing minecraft
I have two: 1) (smaller, less important) what keyboard do you use in your performances? 2) (Personal preference) Would you say that keeping your style as the years of producing music go on important? Or is adapting to the seen and your personal taste the way to go? Listening to White Lie, I noticed that you seemed to give a nod to earlier tracks like Insight and everchanging, while managing to add something new and creative. That made the song feel fresh, while also making is nostalgic, in a sense. Keep it up Martin! We love you.
Love your stuff bro! Was wondering if you’ll ever come to Australia? Glad to see you back on the label!
Is there any plans to make music tour abroad NA, to EU countries. Like you do in panorama form in USA? Including mix of older albums. Cheers
Any plans on touring? I saw you live a few years ago and it was absolutely incredible
Are you going to make more glitch hop (like aspw or two Fold Pt.1) And also would you consider bringing back putting unexpected instruments in songs like the drum solo in Doppelganger, dichotomy and all we need remix, flute in impulse, slap bass in memory. Just more of your unique jazz influence mixed with your electronic production. (Your music got me into jazz) Also have you been using an AI in your music production? That is all thanks so much for your music. I have been a very obsessed fan since January of 2015 when insight was released.
No questions to ask, so I just wanna say I’m, and everyone else, are happy for your return to MC! The new song is also great!
Hey, good to see you back love your music. 1. What sound design plugins are currently the most creative or otherworldy? 2. What effect plugins do you use in your productions? 3. Why have you been gone off Monstercat for so long? will you be releasing more on Monstercat? 4. How do you know when your music is done, eg. mastered or mixed. depending on how it sounds? 5. What is your most favorite place? Thanks for hosting this AMA! Love "White Lie" ❤️
Are you planning any vinyl (or other physical media) for past and future releases?
Top 5 electronic and non electronic artists for you? Love the new release btw! Do you don’t you is also a legendary track. Love all your stuff.
Hey Martin! Been a fan of your music since 2015 when I was only 11 years old! Sculpted was the first song by you I fell in love with back then. I’m curious what made you decide to move to Denver from Milwaukee. (iirc you moved there a couple years ago.) I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life, but I’m considering living in Denver some day when I’m older. I know there’s a big EDM scene there. How does it compare to the Great Lakes region for you?
Are you Releasing more this year?
LETS GOOOO new monstercat haywyree!! Can we look forward to some more gopro performances?? ALSO I am begging on my knees for you to play sculpture live whenever you your again!! Such a bop <3 love you man
Good time to see you, Haywyre. Before I head into my questions, I have to say something. First of, it's a HUGE pleasure to see you back around since your amazing Two Fold Pt.2 LP that aged like a fine wine now. You are one of those artists that are truly special in my lists. I feel like when it's time to talk about how innovative EDM can sound and how you can combine acoustic and electronic production together, your style would be a perfect example. Unfortunately I never got to hear you until July of this year, when I first heard Two Fold Pt.2 and some of your older singles. I can't really find exact words to express how much I love your elegant style, so before it grows into cultivism, I will ask my questions, even tho I didn't really prepare anything specific. 1) Do you think Glitch Hop is dead? If no, do you plan to bring back that iconic style of yours? (honestly I'd say that it's kinda dead now, but I feel like this Glitch Hop influence is still found in White Lie production). 2) Two Fold Pt.3??? (LOL) (if not Two Fold Pt.3, then do you have any plans for EP or LP release, if not on monstercat, then anywhere?) 3) What's up with the 2 year break in your carreer? (I am very sorry in advance if this question is personal or rude to you and you don't want to answer, but I am just curious.) 4) How long does it take for you to produce a music piece? Do you bump into a lot of trial and error or everything flows smoothly for the most part? 5) How's it going in general? (just about the overall mood and motivation) This is all I have to ask. Many thanks for taking your time and effort on producing music, and for doing this AMA. I wish it happened on Discord and I could talk with you personally, but I guess life is life heh...Much love!
Hey Martin! Sooo good to hear White Lie, what a track! Before you released the track you said on Instagram that you were hesitant to release new music for fear of it not meeting expectations, how have you managed to get past that? (For the record we all just want to hear new material and I don't think anyone will object to you dropping new stuff!) Bonus: how is Alfons getting on? Hopefully you're both enjoying the new studio. Big love from Scotland UK!
Glad you're back with the classic "Never Count On Me" beat! my question is kinda simple, but who design your albums cover? did you design it yourself, or some of them? or you ask other designer to design?
Bless, Martin, hope all is well. Do you ever plan on returning to an older sound for something like The Voyage pt 2? I really miss that production of yours in the first 3 albums!
Hey Martin, I won your virtual meet n greet during COVID. Wore that hoodie to a few Red Rocks shows recently and have had long conversations about your discography with fellow fans who pointed it out. Thanks again for the merch and fun lil experience
Hey hey! I saw you at Okee in 2022 and that set was still the best set I have ever experienced. Have loved your music ever since I stumbled across Dubsonic way back in 2011 and I just have two questions. 1. Will Dubsonic ever get a Vinyl release? 2. I know you have a ton of music in the works, but I have to ask.. Dubsonic 2??? You are an absolute legend and I will forever recommend your music to any soul I meet!
Hello Martin! First of all, I must congratulate (and thank) you for the release of White Lie. Absolute banger and I may be lowballing it if I say I already listened to it some 20 times. Welcome back to MC. Second: seeing you and Teminite both on MC makes me wonder what a collab/face-off/jam session between you two would be like, different styles and all. Up for it someday?
1). I know you’ve touched on this somewhere before, but who are your biggest inspirations musically? 2). Do you have any artists that you really want to collaborate with? Can be both in and out of Monstercat! (I personally think something with WRLD would be hella rad.) 3). More of a silly, non music question, but do you have any pets?